Demographics,Education, Culture, Media, Sports

Demographics

The population of the city was 7.87 lakhs (787,000), according to the census, last conducted in 2001. The urban population is estimated to be around 8.2 lakhs (820,000), Hindus making up the bulk of populatiom, There are small numbers of Muslim. Christians, Jains and Buddhists . The literacy rate of urban Mysore is considerably higher than that of the state average, at 82.8%. A majority of the city's population speak Kannada, while the other languages in use include Tamil, Hindi and Urdu.

Culture

Mysore DasaraDasara is the Nadahabba (state festival) of Karnataka. Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during this period. Also termed as Navaratri (meaning nine-nights), it is a ten day festival usually held during the months of September and October. During this period, various cultural and religious programs highlighting the arts and culture of Karnataka and India are held. The Mysore palace is illuminated on all ten days and prominent cultural programs are held in the palace grounds. The festivities begin with a pooja performed to the Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills in the presence of the Wodeyar royal couple, high ranking officials of the State and other invitees.

Spiritual tourismMysore was the home of the father of modern yoga, Krishnamacharya; he taught at Mysore Palace until his shala was closed in 1950 after India gained independence. It was because of Krishnamacharya that Mysore became renowned as a mecca for yoga. Many Mysore yoga instructors draw international students for extended yoga programs, including Venkatesh Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, who stayed on even after Krishanmacharya moved to Chennai. Teachers of Sanskrit, kirtan chant, Ayurveda and other yogic forms are readily available. The Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, the Sri Ganapati Sachidananda Ashram and the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center all welcome visitors. In addition to traditional Hindu spiritual methods, courses are available in Osho meditation, the Art of Living, Reiki, Breema, and many other systems.

Education

Mysore is reputed for the quality and breadth of its academic and research institutions. A variety of research organizations conduct pioneering activity in the areas of food technology, Indian languages, Rare Earth materials, speech and hearing, sericulture, etc.. Higher education can be pursued in disciplines that range from liberal arts and humanities to law, design, management, architecture, pharmacology, dental sciences, science, medicine and engineering.

Modern education in the city had its beginnings in the foundation of the Free English School in 1833. Christian Missionaries also started several schools, imparting mainly English education, in the 19th century. The Maharaja's College was founded to impart higher education in 1864. The first High School had been established in 1858 in the kingdom, in Bangalore. Secondary education in the city initially comprised a three year course after the Eighth Grade, which was slightly different from the scheme followed by neighbouring principalities, but a uniform pattern and syllabus was implemented in the city as well as the rest of Karnataka in 1963. The current pattern of a two year Pre-University Course was introduced in 1972. The Kindergarten system of education was popular by the end of the 19th century, and was run mainly by private enterprises.

The importance of training teachers was also recognized fairly early in the 19th century. A school for training teachers was established in the city in 1860. Another was founded in 1893. Maharani's College (itself founded in 1881) began training classes for women in 1888. A Zanana School for Urdu Teachers began functioning in 1916. The faculty of Education was begun in the University of Mysore in 1952.

The National Institute of Engineering, established in 1946 in the city, was one of the first engineering colleges in the country. The Mysore Medical College, affiliated to the University, was the seventh such college in the country. Established in 1917 as the Mysore Medical School at Bangalore, it was upgraded to a college in 1924, and re-located to Mysore in 1930.

Today, academics in Mysore centres mostly around the University of Mysore. It was one of the earliest institutions of its kind in India - the first University outside British dominions in the country, and only the sixth across the country. Established in 1916, it began with four broad disciplines, Arts, Science, Technology and Medicine, and 28 subjects. Today, the University campus, called Manasagangotri (Fountainhead of the Mind), occupies around 740 acres of verdant land, and conducts post-graduate courses in over 40 disciplines. One of the libraries under its control, the Oriental Research Institute, is renowned for the discovery of a manuscript of Chanakya's Arthashastra amongst its collections.

Media

Radio

Mysore established its first radio station, called Akashvani (voice from the skies), in 1936 largely due to the efforts of Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy a professor of psychology at the University of Mysore. Akashvani was adopted as the official name of All India Radio in 1957. The Mysore radio station was taken over by the state in 1941. Kuvempu delivered the inaugural address, Incidentally, he also delivered the address commemorating the Golden Jubliee of the station in 1986. At the time of its inception the station was guided by noted Kannada essayist, A. N. Moorthy Rao (Professor, English Literature, University of Mysore) as director.

A Frequency Modulated radio channel broadcast by AIR (Akashvani) is available on 100.6 MHz frequency in and around Mysore city.

Newspapers

The earliest efforts to begin newspapers in Mysore were crushed in 1894 under the British Raj. Sadhvi was a Kannada newspaper that used to be published in Mysore. Newspapers now being published in Mysore, in Kannada or English, include the Prajavani and its sister newspaper the Deccan Herald (first published in 1948), the Star of Mysore, its Kannada edition Mysore Mitra (1978), Samachar (first published in Kannada as Samachara and later as Samachar in English in 1950) and Andolana (Kannada edition). While the Star of Mysore is published in tabloid format, the others are published in broadsheet format. The Times of India launched a Mysore edition in 2005.

At one point, there were more than a 100 news publications in Mysore, and it was considered to have the most number of news publications in India. These publications acted as one of the major ways of rising up against the British occupation as well as against the cast based ruling class. (citation needed).

Sports

Mysore has a tradition of wrestling, football and kho-kho. Mysoreans have represented India at various international tournaments in football and wrestling. Athletics, Cricket and Tennis have emerged as sports that the City's sportspersons have taken to. Javagal Srinath, Prahlad Srinath, Mohit Vijaykumar and Reeth Abraham are examples.The Mysore University has a sports program equipped with excellent infrastructure for athletics, tennis, gymnastics, basketball, hockey and cricket. A swimming pool maintained by the University at Saraswathipuram caters to the needs of the swimming fraternity.The National Games of India were held in Mysore in 1999. Infrastructure was further enhanced as a result, a new Indoor stadium was constructed with a seating capacity of 3000 at the Chamundivihar Sports complex.The Wodeyars were keen followers of horse racing, and the Race Club of Mysore stands testimony of the interest. The Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club has 18 holes around the race course.The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Mysore is constructing an international standard swimming pool adjacent to the Chamundivihar Indoor stadium. The Mysore Tennis club, which began in August 1969 with 2 courts, has now expanded to 8 courts.

Places to See in & around Mysore

Places to See in & around Mysore

Mysore Palace :Where the Maharajas lived… Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms.

The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. See the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Chamundi Hills:Presiding deity; of Mysore. A well-known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Halfway up long the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. MAHISHASURA… From whom Mysore got its name Close to the temple is the gigantic stature of the demon Mahishasura.

St. Philomina's Church:Gothic art A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure.

Mysore Zoo:Home of rare species of fauna The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species that are housed in lush, green surroundings. The zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.

Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery:A treasure house of masterpieces The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings that date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich.

Mysore is known the world over for its exotic silks. At the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, you can buy Sandal Powder, Sandal Oil and scented incense sticks. At the Government Silk Factory you can see the master weavers at work. Buy shimmering silks straight off the looms.

Srirangapatna :

The Tiger's Lair Take yourself back to another spot, another, time. 16 kms away from Mysore is the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. The high stone walls and moats enclose palaces, temples and a great mosque. Tipu's summer Palace, with its beautiful frescoes, the tombs of Tipu and Hyder Ali at Gumbaz, Royal Mosque, Wellesley Bridge and the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple are other monuments from its chequered past.

Ranganathittu :A haven for winged visitors 5 kms from Srirangapatna, lush green islands on the river Cauvery, are home for an astonishing variety of migratory birds from as far away as Siberia - Spoon bills, Open Bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret Darter, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Wild Duck, Peafowl. A little boat takes you close to the islands where the trees are covered with birds of different species. The only sounds are the cries of birds; swoosh of wing and the ripple of water. Ideal for picnicking and bird watching. Season: Between June and October.

Brindavana Gardens:What dreams are made of 19.2 kms northwest of Mysore City are the famous Brindavana Gardens with the musical fountain. They stretch below the Krishnarajasagara Dam on the river Cauvery, and present a breathtaking harmony of water, colour, light and music! Illumination

Melkote :And the Yairamudi Festival 48 kms from Mysore, on rocky hills is the Cheluva Narayana Temple at Melkote. Ramanujacharya, the Shrivaishnava saint - philosopher, took shelter here from his persecutors. In March - April the Vairamudi festival draws thousands of pilgrims.

Somanathapur :A 13th century wonder in stone 35 kms from Mysore, in the small village of Somanathapur, is another temple of great architectural beauty built in the 13th century A.D. The star-shaped temple with three shrines named after Prasanna Chennakeshava is the latest and best preserved example of Hoysala architecture.

Talkad :"Deep asleep, deep asleep, deep asleep it lies…" 45 kms from Mysore is a strange phenomenon - an ancient town buried under centuries of sand. Only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible above the ground. Once in twelve years, during the Panchalinga Darshana, the sleeping town awakes to festivities and fairs.

Shivasamudram :The Cauvery takes a leap ! 85 kms to the south-east of Mysore are the picturesque waterfalls, Ganganchukki and Bharachukki, at Shivasamudram. Asia's first Hydro-Electric Power Station ws set up here in 1902. The falls are at their best in July/August.

Kabini River Lodge :Holiday resort for the adventurous Situated 80 kms from Mysore in The Karapur forests is the old hunting lodge of the Maharajas and Viceroys. The lodge on the banks of the river Kabini arranges jeep rides into the jungle and coracle rides on the Kabini for bird watching. A naturalist guide helps you identify the many varieties of birds and wild beasts.

Nagarhole :"The woods are lovely, dark and deep" 93 kms from Mysore in the Forest Department has a guest house here and arranges jeep rides into the forest ot enable visitors to observe the animals at close quarters. The season is between October and May.

Bandipura :"Tiger, Tiger burning bright" 80 kms from Mysore, on the way to Ooty is the well-known Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Lose yourself in 'Kipling's Jungle' where elephants, sambars, spotted deer, langurs, peacocks, bison and yes, the majestic tiger, live in harmony in the game sanctuary. The season here is between May and November. Closed on Mondays.

Biligirirangana Betta :Among tribal settlements This picturesque range of hills between two rivers, 108 kms from Mysore, takes its name from the temple of Biligiri Ranganatha Swami situated on the highest point of the range. The Ratha festival is held twice annually in January and April.

Mahadesvara Batta :A pilgrim centre Atop a hill 160 kms from Mysore is the temple of Mahadeshvara. The Ratha festival here draws thousands of devotees. So does the "antaragange", a stream flowing from a perennial source where thousands come for a holy dip.

Belur - Halebidu - Shravanabelagola : Where stones speak a language of beauty The famous Hoysal a temple of Belur and Halebid are situated 160 kms and 150 kms respectively from Mysore. The exquisite and elegant bracket figures of the Chenna Keshava temple at Belur, one of the earliest of the star-shaped temples of the Hoysalas, and the hoysaleshwara temple at Halebid present, in the words of the famous historian Percy Brown, "the supreme climax of Indian architecture".

80 kms from Mysore is Shravanabelagola, the famous 'Dasshina Kashi' of the Jainas. Situated on a hill here is the towering monolith of Gomateshwara, 17 metres high! The Mahamastakabhisheka held once in twelve years, attracts devotees from all over the country. With Mysore as your base, visit many more places of tourist interest.

27 kms away is the important polgrim centre of Najangud. 68 kms from Mysore and 8 kms from Maddur is the small bird sanctuary of Kokrebellur. 30 kms to the north-west of Mysore is the 4.88 metres tall monolith of Gomateshwara standing on a hillock at Gomatagiri. 10 kms to the south-west of Mysore is the scenic hill of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.

Note: The above details are taken from mysore.coz.in, thank you for the webmaster.

Transport facilities in Mysore

Transport

<<

State highways 17, 33, 86, 88 pass through Mysore connecting it to nearby cities. The existing four-lane road linking Mysore to Bangalore is being upgraded to a six-lane highway, thus significantly reducing the commute time. Mysore is the railway junction for the district, and rail lines connect Mysore city to Bangalore to the northeast via Mandya, the rail junction at Hassan to the northwest, and Chamarajanagar via Nanjangud to the south east. The nearest airport is at Bangalore. The Mandkalli Airport, approximately 4 miles from the city, is currently inoperative, although paragliding and, occasionally, aeroplane rides are offered at this location. A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed by the Karnataka government and the Airports Authority of India, leading to the redesign and extension of the airport.Mysore has intra-city, inter-city and suburban public bus transportation. Traditional means of transport available in other Indian cities like Autorickshaws and Taxis are also available. Tongas (horse drawn carriages) are also available, but usage is declining.

General Information

Airport

Bangalore International Airport. Airport code: BLR, It also connects Bangalore to Delhi, Madras, Bombay, others .The nearest airport from Mysore is 140 km away in Bangalore, from where one can take flights for most of the important cities in India. Indian Airlines has an office in the city at the Hotel Mayura Hoysala Complex, Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore (Phone 421846).

By Rail: Mysore is connected with most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai through regular trains. Between Mysore and Bangalore, there are several good trains like Shatabdi and Tipu Express. The railway station is located around 2 km from the downtown.

VisasSix month multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Only six-month tourist visas are extendable. Be careful to check whether your visa is valid from the date of entry or the date of issue.

CurrencyThe currency of India is the Rupee (Re, plural Rs). Rupee (Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, and 10 paise.Note: 1 and 2 Rupee notes and 5 paise coins may still be in circulation but are no longer being produced.

Credit CardsMasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

TippingIt is customary to tip 10% of the bill at restaurants, but you may tip less if service charges have been included in the bill. At hotels tip 10 bucks to the bellhop, the same to the doorman ‘durban'; if the service is particularly good, substantially more to the concierge and housekeeping.

Black and yellow cab drivers do not expect to be tipped. The opposite is true if you have a hired a cab for a long period.

You'll find some of the most friendly and colourful service at tiny nondescript roadside stalls called ‘dhabas'. A small tip, even if it is only loose change, will be appreciated tremendously.

Electricity220volts / 50 hertz is the frequency at which electricity is available WHEN it is! Power cuts and ‘load shedding' is a regular feature.

Health RisksAvoid tap water, as over 80 percent of diseases in India are related to contaminated water. Use bottled water only, even for brushing teeth (boil water for 20 minutes if bottled water is unavailable). Wash vegetables and fruit before eating. Stay away from pork, stick to beef and make sure the meat is well cooked and served hot.

Malaria is endemic, and there are high incidents of hepatitis and typhoid. Polio also exists. Other disease include yellow and dengue fever, and the dust can cause allergies. The sun and heat can literally kill. Take medication and inoculations before departure. Resistance to Chloroquine (administered for malaria) has been confirmed.

Time ZoneGMT/UTC +5 hours 30 minutes

Business HoursPublic and private offices: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.); some open on Saturdays, but all are closed on Sundays.Shops: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon. to Sat.)Post offices: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon. to Fri.); 10 a.m.-12 noon ( Sat.)Banks: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) and 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. The Central Bank in Ashok Hotel and the State Bank of India at the Airport are open round-the-clock.Restaurants: until 11 p.m.; nightclubs and discos close much later.

ClimateMysore has a moderate climate. Summer day temperatures average at 30° C though some days may be as hot as 35° C. June is the warmest month. Winter is extremely comfortable, with day temperatures for December averaging 27° C. The average night temperatures are 20° C and 17° C for summer and winter respectively. Mysore gets an average 86 centimetres of rain annually, most of it during the monsoon, which lasts from June to October.

ClothingCasual attire is acceptable for business meetings but it is best to dress formally. The appropriate attire for men is a long-sleeved shirt with tie and jacket, or just a tie when it gets too hot. Long skirts are required of women, but they may try wearing a sari or salwar kameez - baggy pants and a dress-like top.

GDP Growth Rate8.3%

Inflation5.4%

Importscrude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals

Geography

Mysore is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km from Bangalore. The city extends from latitude 12°18' in the North to longitude 76°42' in the East. Mysore is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India.Occupying most of the subcontinent of India in South Asia, India shares borders with China in the northeast, Pakistan in the west, Nepal and Bhutan in the north, and Burma and Bangladesh in the east

The nearest domestic and international airport is Bangalore airport (130km from Mysore). Mysore Airport (MYQ) is currently non-operational. However, it was recently announced that it would be reopened and expanded to accommodate small 50-seater aircraft.

By train

Mysore Junction is the city's main station, and there are daily trains plying the route between Bangalore, Chennai, Thanjavur as well as smaller and lesser known Indian cities.

The fastest and possibly the most comfortable way to travel between Mysore and Bangalore and Mysore and Chennai is on the Mysore-Chennai (via Bangalore) Shatabdi Express, which covers the Mysore-Bangalore leg of the journey in 2 hours and the Mysore-Chennai section in 7 hours. Although slightly more expensive than other trains, the Shatabdi's coaches all offer A/C, and meals, snacks, drinks and a bottle of mineral water are included in the cost of the fare.

A one way ticket from Mysore to Bangalore on Shatabdi would cost about 305 Indian Rupees. A round trip sleeper class seat/bed from Chennai to Mysore costs about 430 Indian Rupees.

By bus

Buses run every 5 minutes on the Bangalore route, and there is a choice of both A/C and non-A/C vehicles. During the weekends, these buses are often full, so it is advisable to reserve a seat in advance. The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are very comfortable, especially the Volvo (Luxury) buses.

Mysore has two major bus stands. All KSRTC buses arrive and depart from the Central bus stand, while local buses use the City bus stand

By car

Mysore and Bangalore have a direct road connection, but be warned about driving in India, which is especially dangerous at night because of speeding trucks. The 4-lane expressway between Bangalore and Mysore is now complete, and allows the 140 km journey to be covered in about 3 hours.

Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.Auto Rickshaws - Usually go by the meter, but drivers politely refuse to down the meters especially at Railway Stations, Bus Stations etc. The more your attire and luggage announce that you are a tourist the less the chances of drivers going by the meter. Price is 6.00 Rs per KM, with a minimum fare of 12.00 Rs

Tourist Cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like SriRangaPattanam etc. Costs about 5.00 Rs per KM.Most Car rentals in India come with a driver that is possibly the best way to go.

When to Visit

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to MarchTEMPERATURE :Summer - Max: 34 o C Min: 21 o C Winter - Max: 27 o C Min: 16 o CCLIMATE Mysore does not have an extreme type of climate. The weather is pleasant throughout the year.

The city is governed by the Mysore City Corporation (forming the legislative branch), led by a Mayor, and composed of 64 elected corporators. The city is divided into wards which elect the corporators. Officials such as the District Commissioner, Health Officer, Officers in charge of the Water Works, Sewage form part of the executive branch. The annual budget of the Corporation for the year 2005-2006 was 9088.46 lakh Rupees (Approximately 19.6 Million US Dollars).MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) is responsible for the creation of new sections (layouts), zoning and expansion of the city.

The Mysore Zilla Parishat is responsible for the rural sections of the taluk.

Mysore has become the first Indian city to be Wi-Fi enabled . Mysore is also one of the cities participating in an initiative to create an eGovernance system across the state of Karnataka .

Holidays 2007

The Karnataka State Government has announced the list of general holidays for State Government employees for the year 2007.

January 1 Monday Bakrid

January 15 Monday Sankranti

January 26 Friday Republic Day

January 30 Tuesday Moharum

February 16 Friday Mahashivaratri

March 19 Monday Chaandramana Ugadi

March 31 Saturday Mahaveera Jayanthi

April 6 Friday Good Friday

April 20 Friday Basaveshwara Jayanthi

May 1 Tuesday May Day

August 15 Wednesday Independence Day

September 15 Saturday Ganesh Chaturthi

October 2 Tuesday Gandhi Jayanthi

October 10 Wednesday Mahalaya amavasya

October 20 Saturday Mahanavami Ayudapuja

November 1 Thursday Kannada Rajyotsava

November 8 Thursday Deepavali / Naraka Chaturdashi

December 21 Friday Bakrid

ecember 25 Tuesday Christmas

The following are the restricted holidays for State Government employees:

Infosys has established its training center with an investment of over 65 mn$, and with a training capacity of about 4,500 people in Mysore. Wipro has its Global Service Management Center (GSMC) for serving the eastern markets here. This center also serves as a backup to Wipro's Global Command Center in Bangalore.

Mysore contributed Rs 370 crores to Karnataka's Rs 38,000 crore IT exports in 2005. There are a number of small IT companies that make a significant contribution, albeit inconspicuously (unlike the big IT companies). Efforts are being made by the current state administration to persuade IT companies to move to Mysore, to ease the infrastructure burden on Bangalore and enhance the overall development of the state.

Articles made of silk, ivory and sandalwood are some of the most famous products of Mysore, making significant contributions towards commerce. Among several handicrafts retailing stores, RAMSONS, which is located right in front of the Mysore Zoo, is the largest and grandest of all. The divisional headquarters of Mysore Division and the Railway Station are other major employers.

The economy experienced reverses during the last few decades, as some of the major industries like Ideal Jawa (automobiles) and K. R. Mills (textiles) closed down and several people became unemployed. However some revival efforts, like those of K. R. Mills (Atlantic Mills), helped improve the situation. In recent years the software industry has grown and could expand further to become the most significant contributor.

Infrastructural improvements in progress, such as the doubling of railway tracks and the building of a four lane expressway between Mysore and Bangalore, are expected to bring significant growth to the economy of Mysore.

About Me

i am satish from India. WELCOME to my blog, it contain jokes, facts, etc,. etc,. When living my page please don't forget to comment about my page at the end of the jokes or photos, and also join to guestbook.